We briefly discuss our social locations relevant to the interracial and intercultural experience through a social constructionist framework and ecological systems theory. We reference and review the importance of Seshadri and Knudson-Martin’s work (2012) and re-introduce four types of interracial/intercultural relationship structures: integrated, singularly assimilated, coexisting, and unresolved. This foundation will be applied to each chapter’s discussion of a particular life stage and how these stages can be nuanced by immigration processes.

Social Instructions, Systems Theory, Social Constructionism, Ecological Systems Theory, Intersectionality

We review self of therapist training and exposure to interracial/intercultural issues in the couple and family therapy field, focusing on a multicultural perspective. Utilizing an intersectional ecological system framework, we will address the parallel processes of the therapist and client’s interracial and intercultural identities and the therapist’s relationship to their own ecological system. We conclude with a discussion of treatment approaches that haven’t worked, and approaches that are culturally responsive. Case examples and applications were used to promote insight, awareness, intersectional multicultural competency, and cultural sensitivity.

Self of the Therapist, Self-Disclosure, Positionality

We explore what attracts interracial and interethnic partners to each other. Is attraction shaped by family of origin or prior relationships? We will also examine how attractions are influenced by friends and family, as well as other sources of support. How does a couple fare if they don't have this support? We also explore how intersectionality constructs may influence this process. We use vignettes/case examples/intervention questions to explain concepts and provide evidence related to these questions.

Attraction, Exoticism, Attraction theories, Body Size, Discourses

We discuss how support, or lack of it, influences the couple's relationship, how they get to know each other, and how they negotiate their interests. We explore how they move towards commitment (e.g., exclusivity) and how their commitment received by others, as well as how the couple leans on each other for support around this issue. We will also explore how intersectionality constructs may influence this process. We use vignettes/case examples/intervention questions to explain concepts and provide evidence related to these questions. 

Dating, Couple Formation, Cultural Instructions, Intergenerational Differences 

We explore how the couples’ structure and ways they navigate their daily activities and share living space influence them. We will also discuss how cohabitation shapes the relational dynamics around engagements and marriage, and how others shape and influence these processes. We use vignettes/case examples/intervention questions to explain concepts and provide evidence related to these questions. 

Cohabitation, Shared Space, Day to Day, Engagement, Normativity

We examine interracial and intercultural couples’ rules, roles, and family issues stemming from their family of origin. The chapter highlights the impact of cultural traditions on deciding to wed, create ceremony, and commit as partners. Navigating the non-monogamy or polyamory identification of partners, welcoming children, and assuming parenting roles also will be discussed. Through ecological systems theory, we will describe specific life changes that impact relational and psychological distress, growth, and resiliency through the couple’s creation of meaning. We will also explore how intersectionality constructs may influence this process. We use vignettes/case examples/intervention questions to explain concepts and provide evidence related to these questions. 

Monogamy, Marriage, Ethical Non- Monogamy, Children, Parenting, Division of Labor, Blended families

We review the phases of assimilation and how interracial and intercultural couples move through them intrapersonally and interpersonally, as well as through community, and the greater society. We will deconstruct implied sociocultural and historical expectations of the “American Dream,” while focusing on ways family, career, and community influence each other. Additionally, this chapter will explore couples revisiting the “we” (i.e., their dyadic family unit), and how they may have to define or redefine resiliencies and exhaustion, and lifecycle development processes and challenges, and legacies). We will also explore how intersectionality constructs may influence this process. We will use vignettes/case examples/handouts to provide clinicians with a systemic lens for working with older interracial and intercultural couples.

Retirement, Expectations, Religion, Existentialism, Spirituality, Assimilation, Isolation

We utilize a social constructionist framework to explore how interracial and intercultural couples co-create meaning through individual culture and relational differences related to sexuality, political alignment, and religiosity. We explore relationship structures through integrating social locations and managing emotional maintenance, curiosity, and respect. Differences will be framed through Seshadri and Knudson-Martin’s typology of interracial and intercultural relationship structures: integrated, co-existing, singularly assimilated, and unresolved. We will also explore how intersectionality constructs may influence this process. We use vignettes/case examples/intervention questions to explain concepts and provide evidence related to these questions.

Sex, Politics, Religion, Discourse, Connection

In this chapter we discuss ways to take the book and practices involved further.